“Thank you very much … to the Polish contingent here,” Carter said. “You’ve been great partners right from the very beginning, and we are admiring of your professionalism and dedication.” Polish military leaders told the secretary they are working very closely with coalition troops from other nations, and there is a “very good partnership with U.S. forces in the area.”

The group talked about logistics, building capacity in the area, construction and other operational issues. Following their discussions, Carter re-emphasized that the union between U.S. forces and Polish troops serves as “a great, great partnership.”

Officials of the Illinois National Guard, which serves as part of Task Force White Eagle and has a state partnership with Poland, noted the partnership is extensive, as the Guard soldiers spend two months training in Poland before their six- to seven-and-a-half-month deployments.

“Chicago has the largest population of Polish in the world, superseding Warsaw,” noted Army Maj. Rhonda Peterson, a logistics officer with the Illinois National Guard.

Carter showed his appreciation as the leaders exchanged gifts, and he spoke of the appreciation for the Polish troops’ service.

“Thanks, once again,” he said. “It’s very clear this is a great partnership.”